set in stone

set in stone

Permanent. Typically refers to a plan or idea. We might get brunch next weekend, but nothing is set in stone yet. Keep in mind that these blueprints are not set in stone—they're just to give you a feel for the design.

See also: set, stone

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

set in stone

If an agreement, policy, or rule is set in stone, it is completely decided and cannot be changed. The exact terms of the scheme have yet to be set in stone. These are just preliminary ideas and nothing is set in stone. Note: Other verbs such as carved or cast can be used instead of set. These ideas are up for discussion — they are not cast in stone.

See also: set, stone

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012